Kansas City Falls to SDSU

Friday, March 5

Brookings, SD

3:00 PM

Kansas City

4-4-0, 4-3-0

South Dakota State University

3-0-2, 3-0-2

Kansas City

South Dakota St.

3/5/2021 6:00:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Final Box

The Roos have a chance to earn a series split on Sunday

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Kansas City (4-4-0, 4-3-0) fought until the end against the speed and precision of South Dakota State (3-0-2) but couldn't get one past the last line of defense. A strong attack by the Jackrabbits in the first half left the Roos scrambling to put up shots in the final period.

Goalkeeper Mackenzie Caldwell had her work cut out for her as SDSU went on the hunt in the box just after kickoff. At the five-minute mark, a Caldwell save led to a corner kick that ended up in the back of the net to give the Jackrabbits a quick lead. Kansas City tried to impose their will, but fouls and possession kept Kansas City from any shots on goal in the first period. The Roos went into halftime down 0-3 with the mentality to turn it around.

The positivity of Head Coach Jess Smith could be heard from the online stream as she coached her young squad to be resilient and continue to grow in every opportunity. At any given point this season, nearly half or more of the Roos' composition on the field has been made of freshmen student-athletes.

In the second half, Kansas City kept control of the ball on their offensive side of the field. The Roos had a lot of opportunities near the goal to cross for a score, but couldn't connect to their teammate for the final punch-in.

Kansas City's offense was led by midfielder Emma Wilson who put up three shots, including one on frame. Anna Jennings added another good shot midway through the second half that was saved by the SDSU keeper. Emily Jensen also added a pair of shots to the final stat line.

South Dakota State's Maya Hansen completed her hat trick in the final five minutes of the match to extend their lead to four. The deficit gave Kansas City the opportunity to give eight more underclassmen good minutes off the bench.

"In the first half we made some costly mistakes," Smith said. "We were much more organized defensively in the second half, which allowed us to win the ball higher and create chances. We are looking forward to the rematch on Sunday."

Kansas City will put in work during their short stint in South Dakota and return with a new game plan on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. for the second game of the series against South Dakota State.